how to prepare for a job interview meeting

It takes many steps to thourougly prepare for a job interview. To make a good first impression, get fammiiliar with the company, its services and products, mission, vision and people onboard.

Lets have a look at a list of pre interview tips.

Research the company

Make and company analysis of many sources to get broad picture of a company and to be sure you want to work there. Amongst website, social media including LinkedIn don't miss the people as they are building the company and culture. Don't forget to look for reviews from customers. Last but not least - look for employees reviews as well.

Check all possiblie information

regarding the open position

Thoroughly read the job offer description. What experiences and skillset are most important? What goals will be set for the person on that position? Having that in mind you can show interviewer you are a right candidate for this position.

Learn about the services or products.

If interviewer see you are fammiliar with company offering - it confirms your true commitment.

Look for interviewers

Check who you will be meeting with during your interview. Learn each person role at the company and think about their goals. Prepare questions per each person. Extra points for bringing up a common interests

Prepare your Unique Selling

Proposition

Think about accomplishments, skills and answers and what impression they will make on interviewers.

Why you are interested in this

position at this company.

Not having answer for why you are interested in this particular role and company means that you sholdn't be invited for an interview. Identify key factors about company and job which aligns with your interests and strengths. If you are not asked this question - you can still use this information in other questions.

Prepare for a salary negotiations

You might get asked about your salary expectations. Do a salary research and prepare salary negotiations scenario. You might consider using wish want walk method from "Fearless Negotitaions" book by Michael C. Donaldson.

Mock interviews

Try a interviews with loved one, friend or a colleague. Think and test your body language. It will improve your confidence, interview appearance.

Prepare questions to ask

You should have some questions to ask interviewer. Amongst other there should be specific to the company and job you apply. There should be plenty of questions in case as some of them have been already been answered.

Prepare for unexpected

Interviewer is trying to find a question which you don't know how to answer and the reason for this is she wants to see how you will react for unexpected. You can prepare a phrase which you will tel when you will be caught off guard.

Prepare for a skill test or

technical interview

If you were informed there will be a skill test then start preparing ahead of time. Prepare a list of questions or task and answers.

Interview logistics

Physical appearance

Do a review of your physical appearance - hair, nails, clean and fresh outfit, clean and shining shoes. Remember that when you look best helps you feel your best and boost your confidence.

Check where you are going and how

you will get there

Decide upfront what kind of transport you will use and where you will park if you will use car (don't forget to fill up the tank) or bicycle. Add plenty of extra time in case of transit delays or car traffic.

Test the hardware and software

For a remote interview over the computer make sure that you posses needed hardware with stable network connections. Software should be updated and working properly. Consider using headphones with a microphone which will step up the game in terms of the sound quality.

Prepare surroundings

If interview is a remote - you are responsible for environment so be sure it is and will be quiet without distractions. Don't forget about your surroundings and proper light.

Calm your nerves

What works for us is to have a training day before the interview. Get a good night's sleep. Just before the interview it is good to do some breathing excercises. Whatever works for you to go into interview positive, calm and confident. Don't forget to prepare a glass of water and hydrate during interview.

Now you can focus on the core of your interview - the list of question.

How these tough 5 interview questions might be answered?

Tell me about yourself
What are your greatest strengths?
What are your greatest weaknesses?
What are your outside interests?
What good books have you read lately?
Tell me about something you are proud of?
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Describe your ideal company, location, job?
What are your career options right now?
How do you feel about working nights and weekends
Are you willing to relocate or travel?
Why have you had so many / so few jobs?
Why do you want to work at our company?
Why should I hire you?
Aren't you overqualified for this position?
Looking back, what would you do differently in your life?
Tell me honestly about the strong points and weak points of your boss (company, management team, etc)?
Tell me about a situation when your work was critized
Why are you leaving (or did you leave) this position?
How do you feel about reporting to younger person (minority, woman, etc)?
Would you lie for the company?
Could you have done better in your last job?
Can you work under pressure?
What makes you angry?
Why aren't you earning more money at this stage of career?
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
What was the toughest decision you ever had to make?
Tell me about about the most boring job you've ever had?
What changes would you make if you came on board?
I'm concerned that you don't have as much experience as we would like in
What would you say to your boss if he's crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?
How could you have improved your career progress?
What would you do if a fellow executive on your own corporate level wasn't pulling his/her weight... and this was hurting your department?
You've been with with your firm a long time. Wont it be hard switching to a new company?
May I contact your present employer for a reference?
Give me an example of your creativity (analytical skill... managing ability, etc.)
Where could you use some improvement?
What do you worry about?
How many hours a week do you normally work?
What's the most difficult part of being a (job title)?
What was the toughest challenge you've ever faced?
Have you consider starting your own business?
What are your goals?
What do you look for when you hire people?
Sell me this pen
"The Salary Question" - How much money do you want?
The "Secret" Illegal Question
What was the toughest part of your last job?
How do you define success.. and how do you measure up to your own definition?
"The Opinion Question" - What do you think about... Abortion The President... The Death Penalty.. (or any other controversial subject)?
If you won $10 million lottery, would you still work?
Looking back on you last position, have you done your best work?
Why should I hire you from outside when I could promote someone within?
Tell me something negative you've heard about our company?
On a scale of one to ten, rate me as an interviewer.